EP0367868A1 - Détection de la surface d'un liquide ou d'une mousse - Google Patents

Détection de la surface d'un liquide ou d'une mousse Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0367868A1
EP0367868A1 EP88310429A EP88310429A EP0367868A1 EP 0367868 A1 EP0367868 A1 EP 0367868A1 EP 88310429 A EP88310429 A EP 88310429A EP 88310429 A EP88310429 A EP 88310429A EP 0367868 A1 EP0367868 A1 EP 0367868A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
detector electrode
electrode
foam
liquid
shroud
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP88310429A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0367868B1 (fr
Inventor
Yoichi Ishikawa
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Able Corp
Original Assignee
Able Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Able Corp filed Critical Able Corp
Priority to EP88310429A priority Critical patent/EP0367868B1/fr
Priority to DE8888310429T priority patent/DE3881394T2/de
Priority to US07/269,134 priority patent/US4902962A/en
Publication of EP0367868A1 publication Critical patent/EP0367868A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0367868B1 publication Critical patent/EP0367868B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/24—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of resistance of resistors due to contact with conductor fluid
    • G01F23/241—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of resistance of resistors due to contact with conductor fluid for discrete levels
    • G01F23/242—Mounting arrangements for electrodes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/26—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields
    • G01F23/263—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields by measuring variations in capacitance of capacitors
    • G01F23/268—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields by measuring variations in capacitance of capacitors mounting arrangements of probes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for and method of detecting the surface of a liquid or of a foam.
  • the present invention is particularly useful in connection with fermentation processes.
  • a detector electrode In carrying out fermentation processes in a vessel or vat, it is customary to detect the surface of the liquid or foam by detecting a change in the electrical conductivity or capacitance between a detector electrode and a counter-­electrode.
  • the detector electrode is arranged at the top of the fermentation vessel and projects downwardly for the purpose of detecting when the liquid or foam rises to the tip of the electrode.
  • the counter-electrode is submerged in the liquid or foam to establish and maintain good electrical contact therewith.
  • the detector electrode must be insulated. However it remains in contact with the vapour within the vessel above the surface to be detected.
  • the humidity of the vapour is increased to the extent that moisture condenses on the insulating parts by which the detector electrode is insulated in relation to other parts, including the counter-electrode. Condensation on to the detector electrode itself also takes place. This phenomenon increases the electrical conductivity and capacitance. As a result, erroneous detection signals can be generated.
  • an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for detecting the surface of a liquid or of a foam wherein the insulating parts for the detector electrode can be kept dry and preferably also the detector electrode itself.
  • an apparatus for detecting the surface of a liquid or of a foam comprising a detector electrode arranged to be touched by the liquid or foam, an insulator for the detector electrode, a counter-electrode being provided for electrical contact with the liquid or foam, a change in electrical conductivity or capacitance between the electrodes being indicative as to whether the detector electrode is touching the liquid or foam, is characterised in that the detector electrode is surrounded by a shroud and means are provided for maintaining vapour surrounding the detector electrode and confined by the shroud in an unsaturated state.
  • a heater is provided for heating the detector electrode whereby to heat also the surrounding shroud and vapour confined within the shroud and surrounding the detector electrode.
  • the heater is arranged within the detector electrode.
  • the space within the shroud is purged by means of a relatively dry gas.
  • the relatively dry gas is preferably supplied through the detector electrode which is hollow but is closed at its end and has a lateral opening or vent leading into the interior of the shroud.
  • a method of detecting the surface of a liquid or foam in which a change in the electrical resistance or capacitance between a detector electrode, arranged to be touched by the liquid or foam, and a counter-electrode, electrically in contact with the liquid or foam, is sensed is characterised by inhibiting the formation or deposition of moisture on insulating parts surrounding the detector electrode.
  • the actual detection of the surface of the liquid or foam is conducted in a conventional manner, the invention being characterised by drying or maintaining dry the detector electrode.
  • An apparatus for detecting the surface of a liquid or foam as shown in Fig. 1 comprises a central detector electrode 10 which is surrounded at its lower end portion by a cylindrical plastic shroud or envelope 12 open at its lower end. A confined space 14 for vapour is thereby substantially enclosed by the shroud 12 and surrounds the central detector electrode 10.
  • the plastic shroud 12 is secured to a main body 16 by means of a stainless steel screw threaded bush 18.
  • An O-ring 20 is confined between the bush 18 and internal shoulder 22 inside the shroud 12 and is urged against the detector electrode 10 to establish and maintain a fluid seal and also to insulate the detector electrode.
  • Two further O-rings 22 and 24 also help to insulatively support the centre electrode 10 and are confined between the bush 18 and an internal shoulder 26 in the body 16 with the interposition of a stainless steel spacer 28.
  • a connector 30 is screwed into the rear or upper end of the body 16 and is sealed thereto by an O-ring 32.
  • the connector 30 has a terminal connected via a lead wire 34 to the detector electrode 10 by means of solder 36.
  • Two further terminals are connected by means of lead wires 38 and 40 to a heater (not shown) disposed within the electrode 10 which is made hollow for this purpose.
  • the detecting apparatus 42 of Fig. 1 depends downwardly into a fermentation vat and is supported by means of a stainless steel head plate 44 with the interposition of a rubber plug 46.
  • a counter electrode 48 is attached to the head plate 44 electrically conductively and extends downwardly below the surface 50 of the liquid or foam to be detected so as to remain immersed in and in permanent electrically conductive relationship with such liquid or foam.
  • the three terminals of the detecting apparatus 42 and the counter-electrode 48 are connected to suitable electrical circuitry whereby the heater is heated and whereby the electrical resistance and/­or capacitance between the detector electrode 10 and the counter-electrode 48 is monitored.
  • the heater heats the detector electrode to a temperature of 10°C to 50°C above that of the vapour in the confined space 14.
  • a change in the electrical resistance or capacitance is detected, thereby indicating that the liquid or foam has reached the indicated level. If too high a temperature is used, there is a risk of components of the culture solution in the vat being burnt and adhered to the detector electrode. This would reduce the sensitivity of the detector electrode.
  • the effect of the shroud 12 is to confine within the space 14 the vapour surrounding the detector electrode 10.
  • the vapour is also heated whereby its relative humidity is reduced. It is therefore ensured that there is substantially no condensation of liquid onto the detector electrode 10, onto the O-ring 20 or onto the interior of the shroud 12 which would affect the electrical resistance or capacitance.
  • liquid being splashed about does not reach the O-ring 20. Any liquid which does become deposited on the shroud 12 or on the detector electrode 10 is only deposited on the lower ends thereof and quickly runs away. To further promote running away of liquid that may become deposited on the shroud 12 the bottom end of the shroud 12 is chamfered as shown.
  • the shroud 12 could be made of an electrically conductive material, such as stainless steel. In that event, the shroud could also serve as the counter-electrode, whereby the level of the surface of the liquid or foam is detected when both electrodes are contacted by the liquid or foam.
  • a further possibility is to use two of the detector apparata of the kind shown in Fig. 1 wherein the centre electrode of one such apparatus serves as the counter-electrode.
  • Fig. 3 differs from that of Fig. 1 in that the heater 52 is not disposed within the centre electrode 10 but instead surrounds the upper end of the apparatus above the rubber plug 46 by which the apparatus is supported on the stainless steel head plate 44. Heat from the heater 52 is conducted via the body 16 and the centre detector electrode 10 to the shroud 12 and to the O-ring 20 such that this embodiment operates in the same way as that of Fig. 1
  • the centre electrode 60 is surrounded by a cylindrical plastic shroud 62 which is equivalent to the shroud 12 of Fig. 1 and forms a confined space 64 surrounding the lower end portion of the centre electrode 60.
  • the centre electrode is secured in position by means of O-rings 66 and 68 which are confined between an internal shoulder 70 in the shroud 64 and a screw cap 72 screwed thereto into the upper end of the plastic shroud 62, a stainless steel spacer 80 being interposed between the O-­rings 66 and 68.
  • Detector electrode 60 is hollow or tubular but is closed at its lower end.
  • a lateral air hole 74 is formed in the detector electrode so as to emerge into the confined space 64 just below the shoulder 70. Dry air is supplied via a filter 76 to the upper end of the centre detector electrode 60.
  • a single electrical connection to the centre electrode 60 is all that is needed in addition to that to the counter-­electrode.
  • the detecting apparatus of Fig. 4 is used in the same way as those of Figs. 1 to 3 except that a continous flow of relatively dry air into the confined space 64 is maintained instead of heating the apparatus.
  • the relatively dry air displaces vapour from the confined space 64 and thereby maintains the relative humidity in the space at a low value to inhibit any condensation onto the centre electrode or onto the shroud 62 and most importantly onto the O-ring 66.
  • the shroud 62 is chamfered at its lower end as in the embodiment in Fig. 1 and protects the O-ring 70 and adjacent parts from splashing.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
EP88310429A 1988-11-05 1988-11-05 Détection de la surface d'un liquide ou d'une mousse Expired - Lifetime EP0367868B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP88310429A EP0367868B1 (fr) 1988-11-05 1988-11-05 Détection de la surface d'un liquide ou d'une mousse
DE8888310429T DE3881394T2 (de) 1988-11-05 1988-11-05 Detektion der oberflaeche einer fluessigkeit oder schaumschicht.
US07/269,134 US4902962A (en) 1988-11-05 1988-11-09 Detection of the surface of a liquid or foam including moisture inhibiting

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP88310429A EP0367868B1 (fr) 1988-11-05 1988-11-05 Détection de la surface d'un liquide ou d'une mousse

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0367868A1 true EP0367868A1 (fr) 1990-05-16
EP0367868B1 EP0367868B1 (fr) 1993-05-26

Family

ID=8200276

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88310429A Expired - Lifetime EP0367868B1 (fr) 1988-11-05 1988-11-05 Détection de la surface d'un liquide ou d'une mousse

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US4902962A (fr)
EP (1) EP0367868B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE3881394T2 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992009868A1 (fr) * 1990-11-29 1992-06-11 British Gas Plc Sonde de mesure
EP0709656A3 (fr) * 1994-10-31 1996-05-08 Luxembourg Patent Co
EP0731343A3 (fr) * 1995-03-04 1997-02-05 Gestra Ag Sonde pour la surveillance d'un fluide avec protection contre des fuites
US6390027B1 (en) 2000-05-31 2002-05-21 C. Cowles & Company Cycle control system for boiler and associated burner
WO2007090379A1 (fr) * 2006-02-06 2007-08-16 Firma Hengst Gmbh & Co. Kg Filtre pour fluide équipé d'un détecteur de liquide protégé

Families Citing this family (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5057823A (en) * 1990-03-12 1991-10-15 Imi Cornelius Inc. Probe for sensing the presence of liquid in a container
US5220514A (en) * 1990-04-11 1993-06-15 Itt Corporation Method & apparatus for liquid level conductance probe control unit with increased sensitivity
US5459459A (en) * 1992-12-28 1995-10-17 General Electric Company Method and apparatus for transmitting data from an energy meter
US5907112A (en) * 1995-08-24 1999-05-25 Magnetrol International Inc. Probe secondary seal
US6435710B1 (en) * 1998-08-26 2002-08-20 Fauske & Associates, Inc. Foam detector apparatus and method
US6763704B2 (en) * 2000-03-10 2004-07-20 Cds Analytical, Inc. Foam detector for concentrator attachment for gas chromatograph
US7317993B2 (en) * 2006-03-15 2008-01-08 Potter Electric Signal Company Fluid detector recognizing foam and surge conditions
DE202007019018U1 (de) * 2007-06-05 2010-05-12 Griebel, Herbert Sensor und damit ausgestatteter Abscheidebehälter
DE102007056544A1 (de) * 2007-11-23 2009-05-28 Robert Bosch Gmbh Sensoranordnung zur Bestimmung eines Tankfüllstands und Verfahren zur Herstellung hierzu
EP2343514B1 (fr) * 2009-12-22 2013-04-24 Endress+Hauser Wetzer GmbH+CO. KG Armature d'installation pour une sonde en forme de barre
US8756992B2 (en) 2011-09-14 2014-06-24 Alstom Technology Ltd Level detector for measuring foam and aerated slurry level in a wet flue gas desulfurization absorber tower
DE102011088736A1 (de) * 2011-12-15 2013-06-20 Endress + Hauser Wetzer Gmbh + Co. Kg Einbauarmatur mit einer Dichtungsvorrichtung
EP2965046B1 (fr) * 2013-03-04 2018-07-25 Scott Technologies, Inc. Joint de fil pour détecteur
JP6233153B2 (ja) * 2014-04-03 2017-11-22 新日鐵住金株式会社 静電容量式レベル測定装置および導電性異物の付着防止方法
US10914029B2 (en) * 2018-09-12 2021-02-09 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Fluid sensor assembly for a washing machine appliance
US11428407B2 (en) 2018-09-26 2022-08-30 Cowles Operating Company Combustion air proving apparatus with burner cut-off capability and method of performing the same
CN119846022B (zh) * 2023-10-17 2025-10-21 湖南大学 一种基于多通道选择电极阵列的电导率测量装置及方法

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1473209A1 (de) * 1963-12-16 1969-01-02 Indron Leipzig Veb Messsonde mit Gegenelektrode und besonders geschuetzten Isolationsstrecken
NL7018338A (fr) * 1970-12-14 1972-06-16
EP0115106A1 (fr) * 1983-01-25 1984-08-08 George W. Vosper Mise hors circuit d'une chaudière dûc au niveau minimum d'eau
US4476028A (en) * 1983-04-25 1984-10-09 Stant Inc. Heater and water probe
DE3446060A1 (de) * 1984-12-18 1986-06-26 Columbus-Profivac GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart Einrichtung zur ueberwachung der fuellhoehe im saugbehaelter eines wassersaugers o.dgl.

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA1053778A (fr) * 1976-05-06 1979-05-01 Noranda Mines Limited Controle de niveau d'ecume
FR2399010A1 (fr) * 1977-07-26 1979-02-23 Dba Indicateur de niveau d'un liquide contenu dans un reservoir
US4418571A (en) * 1980-08-22 1983-12-06 Veeder Industries, Inc. Liquid level measuring system
US4383544A (en) * 1980-09-03 1983-05-17 Vosper George W Boiler low water level sensing device
US4361038A (en) * 1980-12-01 1982-11-30 General Dynamics Corporation Liquid level sensor
DE8216324U1 (de) * 1982-06-04 1982-09-23 Endress U. Hauser Gmbh U. Co, 7867 Maulburg Sonde zur kapazitiven messung des fuellstands in einem behaelter, insbesondere von heissem fuellgut

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1473209A1 (de) * 1963-12-16 1969-01-02 Indron Leipzig Veb Messsonde mit Gegenelektrode und besonders geschuetzten Isolationsstrecken
NL7018338A (fr) * 1970-12-14 1972-06-16
EP0115106A1 (fr) * 1983-01-25 1984-08-08 George W. Vosper Mise hors circuit d'une chaudière dûc au niveau minimum d'eau
US4476028A (en) * 1983-04-25 1984-10-09 Stant Inc. Heater and water probe
DE3446060A1 (de) * 1984-12-18 1986-06-26 Columbus-Profivac GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart Einrichtung zur ueberwachung der fuellhoehe im saugbehaelter eines wassersaugers o.dgl.

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992009868A1 (fr) * 1990-11-29 1992-06-11 British Gas Plc Sonde de mesure
US5415042A (en) * 1990-11-29 1995-05-16 British Gas Plc Measuring probe
EP0709656A3 (fr) * 1994-10-31 1996-05-08 Luxembourg Patent Co
EP0731343A3 (fr) * 1995-03-04 1997-02-05 Gestra Ag Sonde pour la surveillance d'un fluide avec protection contre des fuites
US6390027B1 (en) 2000-05-31 2002-05-21 C. Cowles & Company Cycle control system for boiler and associated burner
WO2007090379A1 (fr) * 2006-02-06 2007-08-16 Firma Hengst Gmbh & Co. Kg Filtre pour fluide équipé d'un détecteur de liquide protégé
US8871084B2 (en) 2006-02-06 2014-10-28 Hengst Gmbh & Co. Kg Fluid filter comprising a protected liquid sensor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0367868B1 (fr) 1993-05-26
DE3881394D1 (de) 1993-07-01
DE3881394T2 (de) 1993-09-09
US4902962A (en) 1990-02-20

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